Mining for a Greener Future in Canada 

Above: Labrador City & Wabush mining towns in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

The mining industry has a very unique role to play in lowering carbon emissions and combating climate change. Did you know that many of the raw materials required for clean, green technology must be mined? Canada, for example, is home to 14 of the 19 metals and minerals needed to make a solar PV panel. 

While the mining industry still has a long way to go in becoming a net-zero carbon emitter worldwide, Canada is making impressive strides. They're leading the way in innovative and creative solutions to reduce their environmental impact while still producing vital materials needed to continue the fight against climate change.   

How is Canada contributing to a greener mining future, both locally and globally? And how can Canada’s mining industry meet the demand for minerals and metals while meeting both economic and environmental targets? 

In Canada, the mining industry recognizes the huge potential of being part of the climate change solution. The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has been working to combat greenhouse emissions for 20 years – in 2004, they launched their Toward Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, an award-winning international performance system requiring all member facilities to report their energy use and set targets. In 2009 they adopted the International Council on Mining and Metals’ Climate Change Policy. They took it a step further in 2016, when they announced plans to put an official price on carbon to reduce emissions in mining. 

Aerial view of mine near Sechelt Inlet in Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada

A large tailings pond from the Highland Copper Mine in British Columbia, Canada